Bateman’s Home-Baking Bill Clears Senate

Measure Would Allow the Sale of Fresh Baked Goods Made in Residential Kitchens

Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation that would allow the sale of home-baked goods made in residential kitchens was approved today by the Senate.

“Bakers working in their own kitchens can prepare sweet treats for sale at fund-raisers, but they can’t sell their cookies and cakes for profit,” said Bateman (R-16). “There’s no reason to prevent them from offering their goods to local consumers. This bill addresses a long-outdated statute and allows home bakers to earn some extra money for their baking talents to help pay New Jersey’s notoriously high taxes.”

New Jersey is the only state that prohibits the sale of fresh baked goods made in private kitchens. The bipartisan bill (S-73) would bring the state more in line with the rest of the country, and establish requirements to allow the direct sale of homemade breads, cakes, cookies and other goods.

“Dedicated bakers who love what they are doing take great pride in the quality of their products and make food safety a priority,” noted Bateman, who first introduced similar legislation in 2009 and he has been a tireless advocate for home bakers. “Under this bill mandates protections to ensure the public’s health and wellness.”

The bill requires the health commissioner to produce a list of agencies to issue food service handler certification for bakers.

“It’s time we make New Jersey more hospitable to state residents who have mastered the art and science of baking and share the entrepreneurial spirit. They aren’t looking to get rich. They just want to make their bread, cakes and pies, pay for their expenses and gear, and keep a little profit in their pocket,” Bateman said.

“Baked goods” are defined by the legislation as ready-to-eat baked items prepared in a private kitchen that do not require further cooking or refrigeration for food safety.

S-73 is also sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Republican Senators Mike Doherty and Gerry Cardinale.

Related Facebook Post:
https://www.facebook.com/kipbateman/posts/10160151030138625

Related Tweet:
https://twitter.com/KipBateman/status/1288909513781923840

Website Post:
https://www.senatenj.com/index.php/bateman/batemans-home-baking-bill-clears-senate/49504